Processor Power State Switching via S0ix and S3 Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operating systems have limited support for aggressive power management, especially in multiple core systems, leading to inefficient power consumption and performance issues, as they do not effectively utilize various power states to optimize processor power management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic power state switching between S0ix and S3, where the processor core's power state is controlled based on OS and software input, optimizing power consumption based on workload and usage scenarios, and using S0ix for improved idle power states to maintain low power consumption while allowing platform components to transition to lower power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If current OS power management strategies are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power management intermediary layer that sits between the OS and hardware components, translating high-level OS power requests into specific hardware power state configurations. This intermediary handles the complexity of power state management internally while presenting a simple interface to the OS, thereby improving power consumption efficiency without requiring the OS itself to become more complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes power state parameters (such as C-states, P-states, and voltage/frequency settings) based on workload conditions and battery status. By automatically adjusting these parameters without requiring complex OS intervention, the system achieves better power efficiency while maintaining relative simplicity in the power management architecture.
2Use of energy by moving object
If aggressive power state transitions are implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but transition time and performance degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading data into cache memory before transitioning to lower power states, and by maintaining essential processor contexts in a ready state. This preliminary preparation minimizes the time required to resume from low power states, thereby reducing both power consumption during idle periods and transition time when waking up.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power state management that adapts transition behavior based on current system conditions. Instead of using fixed aggressive transitions, the system dynamically selects appropriate power states and transition strategies based on workload characteristics, battery status, and thermal conditions, thereby optimizing the balance between power savings and transition time.
3Speed
If processor remains in high performance state, then execution speed is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processor into multiple independent power domains and clusters, allowing different parts of the processor to operate at different performance and power states simultaneously. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high execution speed in active clusters while allowing other clusters to enter low power states, thereby reducing overall power consumption without significantly impacting execution speed for active workloads.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus relating to platform power consumption reduction via power state switching are described. In one embodiment, control logic causes a processor to enter a first low power consumption state (e.g., S0ix) instead of a second low power consumption state (e.g., S3) based on whether a threshold time period exists between a first wake event (e.g., corresponding to a first one of one or more awake requests) and a second wake event (e.g., corresponding to a second one of the one or more awake requests). Other embodiments are also claimed and disclosed.